Peruvian Pickled Onions (Salsa Criolla)

Peruvian Pickled Onions (Salsa Criolla)
  • PREP TIME
    30 mins
  • COOK TIME
    0 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    1 hrs 10 mins
  • SERVING
    4 People
  • VIEWS
    24

Salsa Criolla, a vibrant and refreshing Peruvian onion relish, is the perfect counterpoint to rich dishes or grilled meats. The zesty lime marinade transforms humble onions into a bright, tangy delight that will awaken your palate. A guaranteed summer favorite that keeps well for days!

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    13 g
  • Fiber
    2 g
  • Protein
    2 g
  • Saturated Fat
    0 g
  • Sodium
    448 mg
  • Sugar
    6 g
  • Fat
    2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the Onion Soak: In a large bowl, dissolve the sea salt in cold water. Add the thinly sliced red onions and allow them to soak for 10 minutes. This mellows their sharpness. (Time: 10 minutes)

02

Step

Drain and Dry: Drain the onions thoroughly and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to a crisp salsa. (Time: 5 minutes)

03

Step

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the soaked and dried red onions, sliced cucumbers, sliced tomato, rice vinegar, lime juice, white wine vinegar, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, olive oil, and black pepper. (Time: 5 minutes)

04

Step

Marinate: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow the Salsa Criolla to marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for a more intense flavor. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors meld together. (Time: 30-60 minutes)

05

Step

Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a vibrant accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or as a refreshing topping for tacos and salads.

For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño pepper before slicing.
If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lime juice for extra tang or more jalapeño for heat.
Salsa Criolla is best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
Consider using a mandoline for consistently thin slices of the onions and cucumbers. Be careful to protect your fingers!

Curtis Spinka

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.5/ 5 ( 8 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
  • Austyn Gleason

    The soaking of the onions really makes a difference. No more harsh onion flavor!

  • Janice Larson

    So much better than any store-bought salsa I've ever had. The perfect summer side!

  • Max Parker

    The jalapeño gives it a nice kick! I'll definitely be making this again.

  • Jaren Labadie

    I added a little bit of minced garlic to mine, and it was fantastic!

  • Vickie Windler

    This salsa was so easy to make and tasted incredibly fresh! The lime juice really made the onions sing.

  • Delphine Wolff

    I made this for a BBQ, and everyone raved about it. It's a definite crowd-pleaser.

  • Dane Mcdermott

    Super simple recipe, but the flavors are so complex and delicious!

  • Webster Kuhic

    Substituted the rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar and it tasted just as good!

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